View in the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu

4 Days / 3 Nights
Inca Trail Video
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Lodges Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 12 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
4,315 m / 14,156 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty

Embark to the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu

Cusco, Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, Machu Picchu
Accommodation Icon
Lodges Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 12 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
4,315 m / 14,156 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty

The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu is the ultimate adventure tour in Cusco that involves different fun activities as you approach the lost city of the Incas. The Inca Jungle Trek offers a unique combination of biking, hiking, rafting, and zip-lining, making it a thrilling way to experience the Andes and the jungle.

Ride 45 km (27 miles) on a bike down the high jungle road with breathtaking vistas from the high mountains to the lush jungle. Have fun on the whitewater rafting going down the Urubamba River with stunning views of the valley, one of the many highlights of the Inca Jungle Trek.

Hike through the forest and enjoy exploring the local farms of avocados, bananas, papayas, and more. Zip-line on one of the longest zip lines in South America another unforgettable moment on the Inca Jungle Trek. End this exhilarating trip by exploring the majestic Machu Picchu! If you love adventours, definetely the Inca Jungle Trek is for you!

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Faqs
  • Pricing
  • Enquire Now
  Overview

The Inca Jungle Trek 4 Days is one of the best alternative trips to Machu Picchu. It combines a variety of fun activities during the four-day tour. Mountain biking, which begins over 4,300 meters and goes down to the high tropical jungle, and water rafting with some rapids, which are recommended for beginners and experienced people.

Hike on the most famous Inca trail with a lot of history and visit some local farms and their traditions. Also, have fun flying over the valley via ziplining. On this adventure, you’ll live the experience together with local people, learning how they process coffee, collecting avocados, bananas, coca plantations, and many other wildlife.

This Inca Jungle Trek is perfect to share experiences with other travelers while you enjoy the fantastic views surrounded by green mountains and valleys and relax at the hot springs of Cocalmayo after the hike.

Itinerary at a Glance

  • Day01

    Cusco - Malaga Pass -Santa Maria

    Mountain bike 45km /27 miles, have fun on the whitewater rafting.

  • Day02

    Santa Maria - Hot Spring - Santa Teresa

    Hike through the forest and the Inca Trail; end your hike at the hot springs of Cocalmayo.

  • Day03

    Santa Teresa - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes)

    Feel the adrenaline flying via Zipline with incredible views.

  • Day04

    Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Cusco

    Be amazed by the incredible of Machu Picchu and enjoy the view along the train ride.

  Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Pre Itinerary Text

Day 01

Cusco – Abra Malaga - Santa Maria : Cycling (55 km-34 miles)

Shuttle to Abra Malaga:3.5 hour by bus from Cusco
Biking time:  2.5 to 3 hour approximately.
Maximum Altitude: 4,350masl. / 14,271 feet
Minimum Altitude:1275masl. / 4180 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Private room (Hostel)
Adventure: Absolutely¡ River rafting Class I-II-III

Our adventour along the Inca Jungle Trek begins with the  pick  up from your hotel (which must be located in Cusco or Ollantaytambo) at 6:00 a.m. to begin our Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu. Then we’ll head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Ollantaytambo) there we have a short stop to enjoy a breakfast or buy something you will need along the tour.

Afterwards, we’ll continue in our private van to reach the highest point of this trip, the Malaga Pass (4,316 m/14,160 ft). Here you will have a stunning view of the Veronica mountain on the side of the road. This is where we begin our cycling tour down the mountain. Your guide will give a quick informational briefing and provide the bikes with the appropriate safety gear. Then, we’ll begin our mountain biking for about three hours (42 km; 26 miles), and you will enjoy the landscape as it changes from the misty mountains to the beginning of the lush jungle along the cycling route. You’ll pass through small streams and enjoy the warm climate while you descend from the mountains. After a few stops, you’ll reach Huamanmarca. From there, we continue our journey by bus to the town of Santa Maria 1200 m / 3937 ft. Where we have our first lunch and spend the first night in our lodge.

During the afternoon you’ll have option to go rafting on the Vilcanota river on category I, II, III and III+ with some rapids, you’ll be safe as we’ll provide you all the safety equipment (Helmet, windbreakers, and lifejacket) it takes 2.30 hours in total. (Please note that this exciting activity is only available from April to December as the river rises during the wet season.)

Day 02

Santa Maria - Santa Teresa : Trekking (11 miles, 18 km)

Walking Distance:  15 km./9.3miles
Starting Elevation: 1275masl. / 4180 feet
Campsite Elevation: 1500masl. / 4921 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation:Private room Hostel
Adventure: Absolutely, hot spring, cable car.

After a delicious breakfast, we take our private van to the trail head. The first 2 hours of our trek will be ascending, but there will be various stops in order to learn a bit more about the rich variety of flora and fauna that can be found in the region we are in. One of these stops will be a family house where we will rest for 20 minutes and supply ourselves with more water and some regional tropical fruit.

After resting for a bit, we will cross a section of the Inca Trail that historically connected Machu Picchu with the city of Vilcabamba. Here, our guide will explain a bit more about the history of the Incas, as well as the system of communication that existed during that time. At this point, we will also see one of the most impressive views in all of the Huancarccasa Canyon. Afterwards, we will descend to the small town of Quellomayo, where we will stop to take our lunch and rest in the near-by hammocks.

We then continue 2 more hours on foot to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, where you will have plenty of time to enjoy the naturally heated water of the baths. After bathing, we will continue on to the final destination of the day, Santa Teresa, by private van and spend our second night in our hostel.

Day 03

Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes : Trekking (10 miles, 16 km)

Walking Distance:  11 km. / 6.miles
Starting Elevation: 1500masl. / 4921 feet
Campsite Elevation: 2000masl / 6561 feet (AguasCalientes hotel)
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Private roomHotel 3 stars
Adventure: Absolutely, Zip Line. (6 cables,)

This day our adventure will continue, after breakfast we will go to Zip Line, they will pick you up at the restaurant, then, we drive for a few minutes towards the base camp, here your instructor will provide you the safety equipment and instructions.

Then begins our adventure flying between mountains through the valley and thick forest, you’ll feel how the adrenaline takes over your body and enjoy the incredible views of the river and valley. You’ll available to fly in different positions.

Afterwards, we’ll take our van to Hydroelectric, where you’ll enjoy our delicious lunch in the restaurant surrounded by trees beside of the train truck. Then we’ll heading to Aguas Calientes hiking along the train rail with stunning views of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba river, your guide will show you the location of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, also you’ll see a several times the train riding to Hydroelectic, after three hours of hike we’ll arrive to Aguas Calientes town where you guide will accommodate in your hotel to rest then explore the picturesque town.

Day 04

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu - Cusco

Walking Distance:  By Bus
Starting Elevation: 2000masl. / 6561 feet
Machu Picchu Elevation: 2400masl. /7874 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Breakfast
Adventure: Absolutely

This is the most important day of the Inca Jungle Trek – the day that we arrive to one of the Seven World Wonders. Our last day of the tour begins very early in the morning in order to be able to watch the sun rise over the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. We begin the ascent from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu at 5:30 AM, by bus to reach the citadel.

Once inside the park, your guide will take you to the best spots to enjoy this magical Inca site. Then, he’ll provide you two hours of tour, afterwards you’ll have your time to explore by your own other places of Machu Picchu, maybe even hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (previous reservations are needed with two months of anticipation, plus a fee of $35. There are only 400 entrance tickets per day to climb these two mountains). You can climb these on your own time, you’ll need to return to Aguas Calientes by bus in order to board a returning train to Ollantaytambo and finally bus drive towards Cusco.

NOTE:

In order to receive detailed information about your trip, including when and where you will be picked up on the first day, you must visit the “Machu Picchu by Locals” office one day before embarking on your journey.

KEEP IN MIND:

Please bring your passport and the immigration slip you received upon your arrival to Peru. Cash is the only acceptable form of payment (Dollars or Soles). The type of change (Dollars or Soles) given for payments made in Soles will be determined by the Agency.

  Inclusions

At Machu Picchu by Locals we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in the Inca Jungle trek to Machu Picchu. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your adventure in the Inca jungle Trek.

WE INCLUDE

Machu Picchu by Locals Team Provide

  • Pre-departure briefing

    Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your adventure guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Inca Jungle Trek tour departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details of this adventure.

  • Professional Adventure Guide

    All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service, our tour guide have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco, they have also studied English in a private language institute. Through to their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Magic Machu Picchu.

  • Permit for Machu Picchu

    Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for your trek and these permits will be for a specific date and will be in your name. unfortunately, this information can’t be modified under any circumstance once confirmed, only your passport number it can be update, however for this change you must to bring both you old and new passport.

  • Accommodations

    At Machu Picchu by Locals we included accommodations 3 nights along our Inca Jungle trek, these are safe and clean lodges located along the route, you also will be available to recharge your cameras, phones, etc. But remember the electrical outlets are different than you are used it is mostly USA and South American standard outlets. If you want to spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes town or Machu Picchu town please contact to Machu Picchu by Locals team.

  • River Rafting and Zipline

    To make of this adventure unforgettable we include these activities full of adrenaline. White river rafting in Urubamba river with a category of I, II, III and III+, great for beginners and experienced people and our Zipline over a canyon with a unique view.

Transportations

  • Turistic Transportation

    We included all the transportations during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the biking, the bus returning from Ollantaytambo to Cusco will drop off you at your hotel.

  • Train Ticket

    In the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu, we include the returning train ticket after you have explored Machu Picchu on the last day. The train ticket will be one of the available train schedules of 16:20hrs, 18:20hrs

Equipment

  • Biking Equipment

    Machu Picchu by Locals has been leading tours to Machu Picchu with a suitable biking equipment to make of your trip an experience of the life time. Our bikes and biking gears are very safe and professional for this kind of activities we include from suspension bike, DH helmet, body armor, knee pads and globes.

  • Rafting and Zipline Gear

    We know very well about these activities and have professional instructors with the right equipment to make of these activities 100% safe, they have been working for a long time on river rafting and Zipline and they have years of experience to show you our wonderful landscape along the tour.

  • Medical First Aid Kit

    All our tour guides are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.

Meals

  • Meals

    At Machu Picchu by Locals, we know food is such an important part of any vacation and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial… Along the Inca Jungle Trek we include 3 breakfast, 3 lunch and 3 dinner. And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free and others just let us know. Our team is well-trained to prepare the best food ever you’ve had with local and organic ingredients.

WE NOT INCLUDED

  • Walking Sticks

    Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits, protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially on ancient Inca trail which are many stairs up and down, trekking poles help you during the ascent, increased stability, if you don’t have a pair of trekking poles you can rent them from our office.

  • Water

    Water is not included on this Inca Jungle Trek, however you will have option to buy some water bottles on the way every day.

  • Hot springs entrance

    After you hike on the second day, you’ll be able to join to hot springs of Cocalmayo, the ticket cost S/10 soles

  • First Breakfast

    We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotel offers breakfast during your stay there. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near to Ollantaytambo where you will be available to purchase a breakfast.

  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes

    Lunch on the las day at Aguas Calientes is not included in this tour. However, you and the group can enjoy the last lunch together in a restaurant recommended by your tour guide.

  • Travel Insurance

    We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru

  • Tips for our team

    Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion to Machu Picchu, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work

  • Huayna Picchu

    Huayna Picchu is the mountain which stands next to Machu Picchu. It is really famous hike normally takes 45 minutes hike up to the top by narrow steps steep with a great view of Machu Picchu citadel. If you would like to hike Huayna Picchu after your tour to Machu Picchu there is an extra cost of $75.00US Also, this booking must be done at least 3 months in advance due the popularity.

  Recommendations

INCA JUNGLE TREK TO MACHU PICCHU PACKING LIST

At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start your life experience in Peru.

What you need to pack? Important

  • Passport
  • Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged – but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
  • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
  • Trekking poles

 

    • 3 wicking t-shirts
    • 3 hiking pants
    • 3 sets of undergarments.
    • 1 Fleece
    • 1 Warm, down jacket: gets little cold at the morning in Machu Picchu
    • 1 Rain jacket and pants
    • 1 sun hat
    • Bathers / swimsuit for the hot spring
    • Small towel
    • Flip flops
    • Walking boots
    • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho

Large plastic bags:

    •  to help organize and keep clean from dirty.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility.

Water: we supply a bottle of water the 2nd day and the same the 3rd day, however you will be available to buy more water along the route or at the restaurant. You are responsible for your first and last day

  • Sun hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Camera
  • Music (iPhone)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
  • Earplugs
  • Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)

TOILETRIES:

  • Sunscreen
  • Face moisturizer
  • Bug spray
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Small towel
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
  Faqs

INCA JUNGLE TREK 4 DAYS FAQs

Here some frequently asked question about the Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu

PREPARING FOR THE INCA JUNGLE TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

BOOKING

At Machu Picchu by Locals, we like to make the booking process as easy as possible; once you decided to do the Inca Jungle Trek, we will send to you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details on the form. We need these details to book your entrance tickets and train ticket; you will also need to pay a deposit of $200USD per person. Once we receive your deposit, we immediately book a spot for the Inca Jungle Trek once we have done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that all the booking process has set up satisfactorily.

WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO BEFORE THE INCA JUNGLE TREK?

Cusco is a big city you can find a place to stay in Cusco that satisfies your needs; hotels ranging from 2 stars to 5 stars, there are also Airbnb places where you can feel as home. However, keep in mind that Cusco streets are narrow especially near to the main square and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs, if the place you are staying is not accessible by car, we will notify you of your pick up and drop off location of the tour. You may also choose stay in the Sacred Valley near Urubamba city or Ollantaytambo. In this case your pick-up time for the Inca Jungle Trek will be 1.20 hour late than Cusco. If you need recommendations on where to stay please contact us.

CAN I SPEND AN EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES?

Yes! It is possible; we can book your train ticket back to Ollantaytambo a day later at no additional cost. The train departs at 14:30 or 14:55. If you need us to book your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu let us know but this will be at an additional cost. If you do choose to spend one more night in Aguas Calientes, make sure you contact us at the Vidal Expeditions office at least one month in advance, so we can purchase your train ticket for the right day.

ALONG THE INCA JUNGLE TREK

IS THERE ELECTRICITY ALONG THE TRAIL?

Yes! On the Inca Jungle Trek there will be places where you can charge your cellphone at our lodges and restaurants. Most lodges and restaurants in Peru, now have the standard US outlet along with the South American outlet. There also may be Wi-Fi connections in some lodges and restaurants

HOW CHALLENGING IS THE BIKING SEGMENT ON THE INCA JUNGLE TREK?

As long as you know how to ride a bicycle you will be fine on the biking segment during the first day along the Inca jungle trail. Our guides will give you a safety talk at the beginning of the bicycle ride, they will make sure that you are taken care of and will provide rest stops along the ride. Our car will stay behind the group the entire time to make sure everything goes well.

CAN I JOIN THE RIVER RAFTING AND ZIPLINE IF I DID NOT BOOK IN MY PACKAGE?

Yes! Don’t worry, if you did not book the extra activities of river rafting and zip lining when you booked your package. You will have a chance to pay for these activities at the base camp. Just let your tour guide knows and they will help you out.

DO YOU NEED HIKING BOOTS FOR THIS TOUR?

Definitely! it is always recommendable to wear a light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. The trail will involve hiking up and down stairs created by the Incas, hiking on uneven surfaces and crossing rivers that may be slippery. The extra ankle support of your hiking boots will help prevent twisting your ankles.

SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS ON THE INCA JUNGLE TREK?

It is not necessary to use walking/hiking sticks since the hike of the second day and third day are not strenuous. However, if you are unexperienced hiking on the mountains, we recommend you use walking stick to help you to keep balance especially during the downhill sections.

SHOULD I NEED SOME VACCINES FOR THE INCA JUNGLE TREK?

No, this part of the jungle is far away from the Amazon and is considered rainforest area or semitropical. There will be mosquitos in the region but these mosquitos do not carry any diseases. We do recommend you bring insect repellent to keep the mosquitos away.

WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE DURING THE INCA JUNGLE TREK?

Most hotels in Cusco provide storage for your luggage free of charge, if you have extra luggage which you not need to bring on the trail. If you are planning to change your hotel after your trek, we can storage your luggage at the Machu Picchu by Locals office. Please get in touch with our team for more information.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER DURING THE INCA JUNGLE?

The weather in Cusco and the surrounding areas in the Andes is unpredictable. Even if the weather forecast says it will be 100% sunny it is possible that it may still rain. This is why this is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically April through September is the dry season, November through February is the rainy season and March and October are bridge months – a mixture of both.

But unfortunately, the clouds do not follow these rules in the last few years. It is best to be prepared for both sun and rain no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is more consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up, you will be comfortable hiking and touring Machu Picchu in short sleeves. Long pants (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in Aguas Calientes.

  Pricing

From: USD 380.00 per person

USD 00.00: from 4 people to more

 

 Additional Items

* Additional single room in Aguas Calientes $60USD
*Upgrade the returning train to Vistadome service( with larger windows and more confortable seats $60US per person

  Enquire Now

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Machu Picchu by Locals. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

Our Pledge |  Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu by Locals will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.

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Feel free to reach us via email at sales@machupicchubylocals.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694

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4 Days / 3 Nights
Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu


Price from $ 380 USD Per Person

Group Size Up to 12 People

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Map of Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu



WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?


At Machu Picchu by Locals we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.

  • Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion

  • Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a private hostel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.

  • Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.

  • Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.

  • Best Trekking team: At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.

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